11 - Webinar to learn about Maine Technology Institute early stage grants for entrepreneurs and companies developing innovative products, processes or services. TechStart Grants of up to $5,000 can be used to conduct market research, develop a business plan, and file for patent protections. Seed Grants of up to $25,000 can be used to develop a prototype, demonstrate proof of concept, and conduct field trials. FMI: Kim Doughty, 207-203-2072, kdoughty@mainetechnology.org or https://www.mainetechnology.org/program/seed-grant/

15 - Rally in the Valley and Tractor Parade to help save the soil and preserve organic standards. Noon, Sunday, Broadturn Farm, Scarborough, Maine. Hear from MOFGA's organic crop specialist Eric Sideman, MOFGA board member Sam May, MOFGA board member and Broadturn farmer Stacy Brenner, and Jim Gerritsen of Wood Prairie Farm about why organic crops should be grown in soil. For a list of rallies in other locations, see https://www.keepthesoilinorganic.org/.

4-6 - MOFGA Farmer to Farmer Conference. Saturday to Monday, Northport, Maine. MOFGA's annual conference for farmers provides a great opportunity to talk about what works and what doesn’t while learning new ideas from university faculty, fellow farmers and others. Information and schedule of workshops

17-18 - MOFGA Chainsaw & Forestry Safety Courses. MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center, Unity. Level I is a two-day course covering many aspects of chainsaw use, including the basics of saw mechanics, operation, maintenance and safety, and a chance to learn and practice safe felling techniques. Level II is for experienced saw operators who want to practice and improve their technique. More information.Register here

4 - 3rd Annual Farmland Access Conference. Monday, Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Dr., Augusta, Maine. Join co-hosts Land For Good & Maine Farmland Trust, fellow farmers and colleagues from around New England for a day of discussion and practical information on the challenges of farmland access, transfer and succession, and the ways we can address those challenges together. Registration opens October 25. FMI: contact Erica Buswell: ebuswell@mainefarmlandtrust.org

15 - Deadline for farmers, ranchers, graduate students, early career researchers, veterans and Extension personnel for proposals for Organic Farming Research Foundation funding. Research priorities include but are not limited to soil health, innovative weed control, management of emerging insect and disease issues, and livestock health. FMI: http://ofrf.org/2017-grant-application